Explore Chief Scientist Jobs

Chief Scientists guide an organization’s scientific vision, research strategy, and technical innovation. These senior leaders help turn complex research into meaningful products, services, and discoveries while advising executives on scientific opportunities and risks. Explore vetted Chief Scientist opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Chief Scientist Do?

Responsibilities vary by organization and industry, but commonly include setting research priorities, leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing experiments and development programs, evaluating emerging technologies, and communicating findings to business and government leaders. Chief Scientists may also shape research budgets, build partnerships with universities or laboratories, and ensure that work meets ethical, regulatory, and quality standards.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Employers often seek a strong record of scientific achievement, deep expertise in a relevant discipline, and experience leading research teams or complex programs. A doctoral degree is common in many fields, though requirements depend on the role. Strategic thinking, clear communication, collaboration, and the ability to connect scientific evidence with organizational goals are valuable across industries.

Industries and Career Opportunities

Chief Scientist roles are available in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, government, and advanced manufacturing. Titles and reporting structures differ: some positions focus on fundamental research, while others lead applied science, product development, or enterprise-wide innovation.

Find Chief Scientist Roles on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing’s responsibilities, qualifications, location, and compensation details to identify roles that fit your expertise and leadership goals.

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$350K - $500K+*

Help us pioneer advances in AI by tackling long-horizon reasoning and scientific challenges. Collaborate to optimize models, create benchmarks, and drive scalable solutions in a dynamic team dedicated...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Optimize the AI core systems transforming public records into actionable data. Collaborate with research and engineering to enhance scalability, efficiency, and accuracy across national applications...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$140K - $190K *

Drive innovative algorithm development to transform sensor data into actionable insights, collaborating with engineers to automate experimental protocols and enhance manufacturing intelligence for adv...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Elevate your career by conducting impactful research on AI and well-being. Collaborate with experts to design studies, analyze data, and translate findings into actionable insights that inform product...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$65K - $108K *

Partner with us to advance molecular and cellular research through innovative laboratory studies, utilizing cutting-edge technologies in genome engineering, stem cell biology, and functional genomics...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$272K - $369K *

Transform the scientific ecosystem by leading strategic initiatives, facilitating executive collaboration, and driving multi-stakeholder projects to enhance decision-making and program effectiveness a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $280K *

Lead a team to design and implement benchmarks that enhance AI model performance in biology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and timely delivery while mentoring scientists an...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $280K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI in biology by leading a team to design benchmarks and enhance model performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure quali...

San Francisco, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific data management in drug discovery. Lead the scientific data team, bridging scientists and engineers to ensure data integrity, quality, and innovative solutions...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$113K - $188K *

Partner with us to lead innovative AI projects in the energy sector, tackling complex challenges through research and collaboration. Shape priorities, mentor researchers, and drive advancements in mac...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $210K *

Join a team that's pioneering AI-driven collaboration to enhance human capabilities. As a Senior Data Scientist, you will drive innovative model development, deploy cutting-edge algorithms, and optimi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$144K - $189K *

Unlock potential by leading product innovation in clinical genomics. Shape tools for case management and data workflows, ensuring efficiency and quality while collaborating with lab directors and engi...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $109K *

Join a dynamic team to design and execute innovative projects in protein engineering and cell biology, leveraging your expertise to impact therapeutic development and mentor junior scientists in a col...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to the success of analytical operations by managing external and internal testing processes, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and fostering collaboration across teams to support innovati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$230K - $300K *

Transform early-stage drug discovery by leading target identification and validation across multiple therapeutic areas, ensuring data-driven prioritization for interventions in cardio-renal-metabolic...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $100K *

Advance research in neurodevelopmental disabilities by leading data analysis, contributing to scientific publications, and mentoring trainees in a collaborative lab environment focused on autism and l...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $160K *

Join us to shape the future of ocean-based CDR research by developing and applying advanced modeling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ocean alkalinity and drive impactful scientific...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Engage in advanced AI research and model development across text, image, and speech modalities. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful solutions that address complex challenges and drive...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Explore innovative AI solutions by developing state-of-the-art models across text, image, and speech. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle complex use cases and drive impactful research projects t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of biomedical discovery by leveraging AI, bioinformatics, and software engineering. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop innovative models and systems that enhance patient care...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $175K *

Join a team that's pioneering AI applications in biomedical discovery, focusing on machine learning, agentic AI, and software engineering. Collaborate with experts to drive impactful research and deve...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in upstream operations, ensuring efficient production and purification of clinical vectors while adhering to GMP and regulatory standards. Collaborate across disciplines to drive proje...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Explore advanced scientific research in defense applications, applying data processing, modeling, and simulation to tackle complex challenges and enhance mission capabilities through innovative soluti...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovative research in scientific data processing and modeling to tackle complex defense challenges. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission-focused capabilities through adva...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $110K *

Innovate in advanced semiconductor device research by designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with engineers to enhance performance and safety in a dynamic laboratory environment...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Scientist do?question toggle

    A Chief Scientist leads or advises an organization’s research and scientific strategy. The role may include setting priorities, managing research teams, evaluating new technologies, overseeing development programs, and communicating scientific findings to senior leaders.

  • What qualifications are typically required for Chief Scientist jobs?question toggle

    Requirements depend on the field and employer. Many positions call for advanced expertise, a strong record of research or innovation, and experience leading teams or programs. A Ph.D. is common in some scientific disciplines, while other roles may value equivalent industry experience.

  • Which industries hire Chief Scientists?question toggle

    Chief Scientists work in fields including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, government, and advanced manufacturing.

  • How much do Chief Scientists earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by industry, location, organization, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for available salary information.

  • How can I find Chief Scientist jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse Chief Scientist listings on Ladders and review each role’s salary information, responsibilities, location, and qualifications to find opportunities suited to your background.